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VALLEY BIRDWATCHING SOCIETY
We had a bird race in January: members split into 5 teams with the object of seeing as many species as possible in the time allotted. For a sighting to qualify each member of the team had to see it. Notes were compared at the end of the day at the Bridge Inn, Lenwade. (where better). In total 86 species were recorded. Highlights included a Bittern at Sculthorpe Moor (their first ever record), a Barn Owl, Marsh & Willow Tits, Brambling, Siskin and Redpoll. Well done to all who took part. At our indoor meeting Dr Ian Burrows, one of our members, gave a fascinating illustrated talk on Papua New Guinea where he spent 10 years as a lecturer. The other highlight of the evening was me winning the raffle. Next outdoor meeting is Saturday March 6th at Snettisham. Meet in Safeways car park, Fakenham at 12.30 pm. Next indoor meeting is 7.30 p.m. on Thursday March 18th at Lenwade Village Hall when we hold our AGM, marking the first anniversary of the formation of the club. This will be followed by a presentation from Alan Hale on Bird Migration through Senegal. All are welcome. FEEDING
GARDEN BIRDS IN THE WINTER
Household Foods include bread, pastry (cooked or uncooked), cooked rice, bacon rind, fat, mild grated cheese, cold baked potatoes, dried fruits such as raisins and fruit such as apples, pears etc. Do not put out salty or highly seasoned foods. Bought Items include nut feeders, bird seed mixture, porridge oats (uncooked), bird cake, peanuts and mealworms. Clean, fresh water is also very important. If freezing conditions are forecast, line the bird bath with a sheet of polythene, this will allow the ice to be easily removed. Sensible feeding will help birds survive the winter and be in good breeding condition when spring arrives and, once word gets round that you are a soft touch, you will be rewarded with a delightful variety of winter visitors. Colin Wright.
[e-mail atomic.colin at virgin.net]
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CALLING
A DOCTOR AFTER HOURS: WHAT HAPPENS
The Patient Participation Group has produced a simple guide to help those who find they have to call for medical advice when Elmham Surgery is closed. The guide is intended to answer some of the uncertainties which people have expressed about the operation of the service that provides cover for out-of-hours calls from the patients of the Elmham practice. The information is contained in leaflets that are available now in the reception area of the surgery. They show the steps which a caller is taken through when ringing up for help and what each person should expect to receive. This is based on the targets which the service-providers, Primecare, have undertaken. The leaflets will, of course, answer only some of the concerns about the service. Patients have voiced anxieties about speaking over the ‘phone to total strangers at a time of stress during the night. In addition, the out-of-hours service is due pass this year to a new provider, the Norwich-based East Anglia Ambulance Trust, under a contract which will cover practices throughout Norfolk. In the meantime, change proceeds apace. The new ‘satellite’ surgery at Swanton Morley has opened for business in temporary accommodation on the site of Lincoln House nursing home. In Elmham, the contractors have left and the surgery has a car-park again. Inside, there’s a new reception counter, a much-enlarged dispensary, and rooms (so far) for a mental health team, midwives, health visitors, nurses’ clinics and for some of the doctors (there are now seven, including locums). There’s a lift to the upper floor and an overhead walkway connecting to the offices at the rear of the building. Oh, yes: and the practice
has been accorded the Royal College of General Practitioners’ Quality Award.
Alan MacKim
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